Shimanami, Japan

©しまなみジャパン公式動画チャンネル

Shimanami Kaido is a breathtaking scenic route that stretches across the Seto Inland Sea in Japan, connecting the islands of Honshu and Shikoku. Known for its stunning views, unique bridges, and vibrant cycling culture, Shimanami Kaido is a must-visit destination for both tourists and locals alike. The route spans approximately 70 kilometers and links the city of Onomichi in Hiroshima Prefecture with Imabari in Ehime Prefecture, offering travelers a perfect blend of natural beauty, rich history, and modern infrastructure. Whether you’re a cycling enthusiast or simply seeking a peaceful escape, Shimanami Kaido offers an unforgettable journey through one of Japan’s most picturesque regions.

Flight

I flew with Zipair from Vancouver to Narita for the first time. I was unfamiliar with how heavy my luggage was. I bought only flight tickets, but there are a few things to keep in mind. Zipair is affordable, but I had to buy an extra ticket for a carry-on and backpack that weighed 13.4 kg. (7 kg baggage allowance is included with basic flight tickets.)

Passengers have to purchase an extra ticket if the total weight exceeds the 7 kg limit. If your luggage is within 7 kg, you don’t need to buy an extra ticket, but I assume this might not be feasible if you’re a nomad. Payment at the airport is online only. It is very inconvenient and makes you nervous.

©JR GROUP

The Japan Rail Pass is a special pass available to foreign tourists, offering unlimited travel on most JR trains, including Shinkansen, local trains, and some buses and ferries, for a set period (7, 14, or 21 days). It’s a cost-effective option for long-distance travel across Japan.

You must purchase the pass outside of Japan and exchange it for the actual pass upon arrival. It covers most JR trains, but excludes certain services like the Nozomi Shinkansen. Reservations may be required for some trains, but many allow non-reserved seating. The pass is ideal for tourists planning to explore multiple cities across Japan.

Airbnb

Airbnb is available in Japan, but I recommend comparing it with standard hotels. In this area, I don’t think you need to spend over $200 per night unless you look for a traditional experience. During travel, I stayed in hotels a couple of times and it costs around $65 per night.

Hotel

ONOMICHI U2: Opened in March 2014, ONOMICHI U2 is a renovated shipping warehouse transformed into a multi-use facility featuring a hotel, restaurant, bar, café, bakery, lifestyle shop, and cycling store. The design, inspired by Onomichi’s alleys and shopping arcades, creates a “small town inside a city” atmosphere with a central pathway connecting the spaces.

HOTEL CYCLE: Designed for cyclists, it offers 28 rooms equipped with bike hangers and on-site bike rentals, including a Giant Store.

The project emphasizes community collaboration by promoting local products, enhancing visibility for Onomichi, the Shimanami Kaido, and the Seto Inland Sea. This 2,000-square-meter space honors the city’s heritage through its use of wood, mortar, and steel, reflecting Onomichi’s wooden houses and shipbuilding traditions.

Internet (WiFi)

When traveling to Japan, it’s important to be prepared with a reliable Wi-Fi solution, especially if you plan to visit local areas. While major cities like Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka have good Wi-Fi availability in public places such as cafes and hotels, Wi-Fi is not as widespread in more rural or remote regions. Many smaller towns and attractions may not offer public Wi-Fi, and relying solely on your mobile data can be expensive or unreliable.

Tips for Staying Connected:

• Portable Wi-Fi Router: Renting a portable Wi-Fi router is a popular and convenient option. You can pick one up at airports or rental locations in Japan, and it will allow you to stay connected wherever you go.
• SIM Cards: You can also purchase a local SIM card for your phone, providing data access during your stay. Make sure your phone is unlocked and compatible with Japan’s network before purchasing.
• Wi-Fi Hotspots: In some cities, you can find free Wi-Fi hotspots, especially in major shopping districts or tourist attractions. However, these can be limited in coverage and may require registration or a password.
• Plan Ahead: Before heading to rural areas or less-traveled destinations, make sure you have a reliable way to access the internet for navigation, translation, and communication needs. It’s always better to be over-prepared than to be left without connectivity in an unfamiliar area.

By taking these steps, you can ensure you stay connected throughout your travels in Japan, even in more remote areas where Wi-Fi might not be as easily accessible.

Visa

To visit Japan as a tourist, most travelers from countries like the U.S., Canada, and most European nations can stay for up to 90 days without a visa. If you’re from a non-exempt country, you’ll need to apply for a tourist visa at the Japanese embassy or consulate. The application requires a passport, completed form, photo, travel itinerary, financial proof, and visa fee. Processing usually takes 5-7 days. For frequent travelers, a multiple-entry visa is available. Always check for current travel restrictions, especially related to COVID-19, before applying.

WeWork

As always, you can find WeWork locations in the following cities in Japan. You can also explore local coworking spaces, which are often available at relatively cheaper prices.

• Tokyo
• Osaka
• Yokohama
• Nagoya
• Kobe
• Fukuoka
• Sendai

Keep in mind that services in rural areas might not match the offerings in cities like Tokyo or Osaka. During this trip, I stayed at a friend’s house and my parents’ home. Alternatively, you can find monthly accommodations costing around $500–$1,000/mo, which may include electricity and Wi-Fi. Be sure to check the contract details carefully. If you work daily as web/graphic designer, a safe Wi-Fi data amount would be 3–5 GB per day. There is no Starbucks in the very countryside. Make sure to secure a safe workplace first when working as a digital nomad in Japan.

Roaming

Roaming allows your phone to connect to networks outside your carrier’s coverage, enabling calls, texts, and data usage while traveling. It’s convenient but can be expensive, especially for international use, so it’s important to check roaming fees and plans with your carrier beforehand. To avoid unexpected charges, disable data roaming if not needed or consider alternatives like local SIM cards, international plans, or portable Wi-Fi devices. Always monitor your usage and ensure your phone is compatible with local networks before you travel.

Grocery Shop

Wherever you are, local grocery stores and convenience stores are everywhere. I rarely visit convenience stores in Canada, but I often go to them in Japan. They are truly convenient. While prices are relatively higher compared to local grocery stores, convenience stores are always located in accessible and strategic locations.

Japan’s major convenience store chains are essential to daily life, offering a wide range of services and products. The three largest chains and their approximate number of locations in Japan are:

• 7-Eleven: The largest chain with over 22,000 locations. It is known for its wide variety of snacks, meals, and premium coffee​
• FamilyMart: With approximately 17,000 stores, FamilyMart is famous for its “FamiChiki” fried chicken and diverse offerings, including bento boxes and magazines​
• Lawson: Operating around 14,000 stores, Lawson is known for its gourmet sweets like Hokkaido milk cream rolls and its Natural Lawson brand, which offers healthier, organic options​

Other notable chains include Ministop, with around 2,000 stores, specializing in seasonal soft-serve ice cream​

These convenience stores provide additional services like ATMs, utility bill payments, ticket booking, printing, and even parcel shipping, making them indispensable for both locals and tourists.

Museum

You can find a lot of museums in Tokyo. I visited a couple of places and enjoyed the experience. I would like to link a major museum.

Tokyo Photographic Art Museum (Ebisu)
The National Art Center (Roppongi)
Mori Art Museum (Roppongi)
21_21 Design Sight (Roppongi)
teamLab Borderless TOKYO (Azabudai)
Museum of Contemporary Art Tokyo (Koto-ku)
The National Museum of Modern Art, Tokyo (Chiyoda-ku)
Yokohama Art Museum (Yokohama)
Yokosuka Museum (Yokosuka)

Local
21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art (Kanazawa)
Benesse Art Site Naoshima (Kagawa)
Aomori Museum of Art (Aomori)
The Otsuka Museum of Art (Tokushima)

Experience

I spent a few weeks in Yokohama. My nomad life has not changed. I worked every day at local time and I developed a couple of Webflow websites. Webflow is flexible and fun for no-code web designers. Anyone can create an interactive website once they learn how to use it. While AI can streamline the process for convenience, I also enjoy the learning experience.

At another time, I visited a bookstore and learned about recent trends. Not only Japan but Asia in general (cities like Tokyo, Seoul, or Beijing) is highly convenient for daily life compared with Vancouver, BC. It does not mean everyone wants to live. Everyone has different priorities. Wherever we are, the grass is always greener.

During my stay in Japan, I explored major cities and areas such as Shibuya, Harajuku, Shinjuku, Ogikubo, Enoshima, Kamakura, and Minato Mirai 21. Unexpectedly, I was able to get my glasses repaired at an affordable price. I originally bought them over 10 years ago for $350–$400, and they still work well. Having multiple pairs of glasses, both cheap and expensive, helps me change up my look occasionally and suits different moods or needs.

I also attended a concert tour Miss You by Mr. Children at K-Arena, which was an incredible experience and gave me a boost of energy for life/work. Mr. Sakurai mentions the entrance of the half-century, 18 years from now. It is really long, but I have to survive until that time.

After that, I guided my friend through Fukuyama, Onomichi, the Shimanami Kaido, and Imabari to Matsuyama, where I grew up. It’s a unique area, especially if you’re used to living in a city. While there isn’t much in the way of entertainment, how much do we really need in daily life? Most of it, we can do without. Looking back, I’ve come to realize my hometown isn’t bad at all.

I saw many foreign visitors everywhere, both in major cities and local areas. They might be traveling or working in Japan. They probably get their information from tourism websites or social media platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok. These people might know more about modern Japan than I do. I don’t need to share my recommendations or opinions—I’m just an ordinary person.

Conclusion: Destination of the life

“Wherever you live becomes home.” In other words, “Home is where you make it.”

There are many events in our lives. Young people often admire the city, as I once did. Cities are convenient for daily life and offer plenty of entertainment. However, when I walked around the Shimanami area, I realized that while there’s nothing particularly special about it, it reminds me of what I truly need.

I have already started reducing the unnecessary things in my life. When living in different cities, you don’t want to own items that make moving difficult. As humans, we really don’t need much for daily life. While I understand that high-quality items can enrich our lives, I’ve realized they are not essential for me.

“Keep life simple.”

©CNN

Reference:

🌎 Webflow: The Web Development Platform Of The Future
🌎 Travel Japan – Japan National Tourism Organization